Garden cress whose scientific name is Lepidium Sativum is a vegetable herb that belongs to the Brassicaceae family of plants. Garden cress is genetically related to other herbs in their plant family such plants are mustard greens and watercress. These plants share the same aroma, tangy, and peppery flavor.
According to research, it’s believed that garden cress originated from Southwest Asia and Egypt. Recent world Agricultural data showed that currently this vegetable herb is being grown on a large scale in the United States, India, and Europe. In Ancient Egypt this herb was used to treat diarrhea, vitamin C deficiency, cough, constipation, and low immunity.
How To Grow Garden Cress
It grows very quickly, usually ready to harvest in 2-3 weeks after planting. It prefers cool weather and can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in early spring. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in rows 8-12 inches apart. Cress can also be grown in containers indoors on a sunny windowsill.
This vegetable herb does best in loose, fertile, well-draining soil rich in nitrogen. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they sprout. It has shallow roots so be careful when weeding around it. Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer if growing in containers.
You can begin harvesting the young leaves once the plants reach 2-4 inches tall. Either snip off the leaves you need or cut the entire plant about 1 inch above the soil line. Cress has the best flavor when harvested young before it flowers.
With its peppery flavor and rapid growth, it makes a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. Succession planting every 2-3 weeks provides a continuous supply.
Garden Cress Seeds
Seeds are very small, brown or reddish-brown. They are sometimes sold as sprouting seed mixes. It has a peppery, mustard-like flavor that adds a nice zing to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes when sprouts or microgreens are used.
The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or sprouted indoors on a damp paper towel. For microgreens/sprouts, they typically take 5-10 days to be ready for harvest after sowing. This herb prefers cooler temperatures between 55-70°F. The seeds germinate quickly, within a few days usually.
They are a good source of nutrients like vitamins A, C, folate, calcium, and iron when sprouted or grown as microgreens. The plants will bloom with white flowers if allowed to grow past the microgreen stage, after which seeds can be harvested for future planting.
Garden cress seeds allow you to easily and quickly grow zesty, nutritious sprouts, microgreens, or plants from this fast-growing, cool-season herb crop.
Garden Cress Seeds Benefits
1. Rich in nutrients
Garden cress seeds are an excellent source of various essential nutrients, including iron, calcium, folic acid, vitamin C, and protein. They are also a good source of dietary fiber.
2. Antioxidant properties
The cress seeds are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and vitamin A, and plant compounds like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
3. Promote digestion
Garden cress seeds are believed to have digestive properties due to their high fiber content. They can help regulate bowel movements and may provide relief from constipation and other digestive issues.
4. Respiratory health
Garden cress seeds have traditionally been used to treat respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. They are thought to have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
5. Blood sugar regulation
Some studies suggest that garden cress seeds may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.
6. Skin health
The high vitamin C content in garden cress seeds may help in collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin. Additionally, the antioxidants present in these seeds may help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
This amazing herb seeds can be consumed in various ways, such as sprouting them and adding them to salads, sandwiches, or soups, or grinding them into a powder and incorporating them into bread, smoothies, or other dishes. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation, as excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
FAQs
1. What is garden cress used for?
This herb leaves, seeds, and roots are used as medicine. Its leaves and roots contain a chemical substance that might lower blood sugar, and stop cough and diarrhea. It can also be used to fight bacteria and viruses.
2. Can you eat garden cress raw?
Yes, you can eat garden cress raw because it has a bit of a peppery taste, however, when garden is cooked its pepperiness leaves an important vegetable flavor. It’s always added to salads and soups to enrich taste accordingly.
3. Is garden cress a medicinal plant?
According to research gardens, cress was used as a medicinal plant to treat cough, diarrhea, and constipation among many other illnesses.
4. How do you use garden cress leaves?
Its leaves are added to soups, sandwiches, and salads for its tangy flavor. It is also eaten as sprouts when fresh or dried while seed pods can be used as peppery seasonings.
5. What is the common name for watercress
Its scientific name is Lidium sativum.In Asia and Southwestern is called common garden cress, garden cress, pepper grass, and pepperwort.
6. What is the side effect of garden cress
Garden cress is a dietary supplement that is generally considered safe for most people. However, it may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting in some individuals.
7. How do you use garden cress seeds? You can eat seeds on their own or you can dry, and roast cress seeds in a pan and let them cool. You can sprinkle these seeds in your soups, salads, and stew.
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